Have you played The Inspector Game? Try It Now

June/July 2009 issue no. 204
October/November 2009 issue no. 206


On Sale: September 29, 2009
Subscribers should receive this issue by October 8.

On the Cover:
Wood floors that survive anywhere

Kitchens & Baths 2009:
Read the issue online.


Articles
Page

NEW INSULATION FOR OLD WALLS

by Justin Fink
You can upgrade insulation without gutting your walls, but not until you know what's in there now
Read this article online

Magazine extra:
Insulation Payback Calculator



32
A WOOD FLOOR THAT CAN SURVIVE ANYWHERE
by Charles Peterson
In a basement or on a slab, create a stable platform to support quality engineered-wood flooring
Read this article online


38
FIRE SPRINKLERS: COMING TO A HOME NEAR YOU
by Chris Ermides
With a record for saving lives and houses, it's no surprise sprinklers were adopted into the IRC
Read this article online

Magazine extra:
Online Poll: Do you agree with this code change?


42
FROM LUXURY TO LEED
by Jim and Mark Picton
Used to building big houses with big budgets, two brothers earned a platinum rating with their first modest green home
Read this article online


47
SITE-MADE MOLDINGS IN A PINCH
by Kit Camp
When all you need is a few feet of millwork to match existing trim, look to the tablesaw, a block plane, and sanding blocks
Read this article online


52
TOOL REVIEW: BORING INTO HOLE SAWS
by Mike Guertin
Bimetal saws are inexpensive and versatile, but don't overlook the specialty tools designed to make clean cuts in less common materials
Read this article online


54
HOW TO HANG DRYWALL ON A GABLE END
by Myron R. Ferguson
This gypsum job is tougher than most, and not just because of the high ceiling
Read this article online


58
FOUR WORRY-FREE WIRING REPAIRS
by Brian Walo
Focus on accurate wiring when replacing faulty outlets, switches, and fixtures
Read this article online


62
TIMBER-FRAME BANG WITHOUT THE BUCK
by Will Beemer
Using timber-frame elements selectively is an affordable way to add strength and beauty to a conventionally framed home
Read this article online


68


Departments

Page

CONTRIBUTORS

8
FROM THE EDITOR
Help steer Fine Homebuilidng into the future

10
LETTERS
Letters to the editor

10
HOW IT WORKS
Heat transfer through insulation

16
TIPS & TECHNIQUES
Dustless grinding
Spray-painting screwheads
The bridge brace
Venting a musty closet
A better way to drill horizontally
Removing paint and putty from old windows


20
TOOLS & MATERIALS
Impact driver lets you choose the speed
The building blocks of sustainability
A structural-steel beam you can lift into place
Drywall tool cuts like magic


26
PROJECT GALLERY
Highlights from FineHomebuilding.com

74
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Tile over a tiled shower pan
Best insulation for windows?

76
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Concrete reinforcement: Rebar vs. welded wire mesh
Chimney flashing: Lead vs. copper
Nail shanks: Smooth, screw, or ring?

80
BUILDING SKILLS
Replace a sink trap

84
DRAWING BOARD
Houses that flow

88
MASTER CARPENTER
Use dyes to transform poplar into cherry


92
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

97
GREAT MOMENTS
The builder's hand

98
BACK COVER
Parting shots